Official controls are carried out by competent authorities to:
- ensure the safety and integrity of all food, food products and ingredients at each stage of the agri-food chain
- verify that all involved in the agri-food chain are complying with legislation requirements and hygiene standards
Official controls include audits, inspections, sampling and analysis of food establishments, foods and goods.
Member States are required to organise official controls in a way that ensures efficient and effective coordination of all competent authorities involved in performing official controls and other official activities.